Closure device

ABSTRACT

A container ( 120 ) includes a closure device ( 121 ). The closure device includes interlocking fastening strips ( 130, 131 ) and a slider ( 132 ) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips. The slider includes a separator ( 133 ) that facilitates the deocclusion of the fastening strips. The container includes a seal ( 129 ) to provide a leak-proof closure by facilitating the occlusion of the closure device ( 121 ) after the slider ( 132 ) has been moved in the occlusion direction ( 114 ) and reached the end of the fastening strips. The seal ( 129 ) includes a curved portion that further facilitates the leak-proof closure. Additionally, a tactile indication that the closure device ( 121 ) has been fully occluded is given as the separator ( 133 ) passes over the seal ( 129 ). Similarly, an audible indication may also be provided. The seal may be accomplished by heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing or adhesives that attach the sidewalls together.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to closure devices and, moreparticularly, a closure device utilizing a slider with a separator and aseal to provide a leak-proof closure. The invention is particularly wellsuited for use on flexible storage containers, including plastic bags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of closure devices for fastening storage containers, includingplastic bags, is generally known. Furthermore, the manufacture ofclosure devices made of plastic materials is generally known to thoseskilled in the art, as demonstrated by the numerous patents in thisarea.

A particularly well-known use for closure devices is in connection withflexible storage containers, such as plastic bags. In some instances,the closure device and the associated container are formed fromthermoplastic materials, and the closure device and the sidewalls of thecontainer are integrally formed by extrusion as a single piece.Alternatively, the closure device and sidewalls of the container may beformed as separate pieces and then connected by heat sealing or anyother suitable connecting process. In either event, such closure devicesare particularly useful in providing a closure means for retainingmatter within the bag.

Conventional closure devices typically utilize mating fastening stripsor closure elements, which are used to selectively seal the bag. Aslider may be provided for use in opening and closing the fasteningstrips. Some of these sliders include a separator. When the slider ismoved in the appropriate direction, the separator divides the fasteningstrips and opens the bag.

One of the difficulties involved in providing a slider with a separatoris the tendency of the separator to force the deocclusion of thefastening strips at the closing end even after the container has beenoccluded. This situation is especially problematic if a full-lengthseparator is used. With a full-length separator, the separator extendsthrough the closure elements and thus a gap exists in the fasteningstrips wherein they are not occluded. In addition, the separator mayforce the deocclusion of the surrounding area.

Furthermore, it is often difficult for the user to determine that thecontainer has been fully occluded. Specifically, the user may not beable to determine that the slider has reached the end position when theuser is occluding the fastening strips.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a container that isclosable and sealable by means of a slider that includes a full lengthseparator. The present invention would also provide an indication thatthe container has been fully occluded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the teachings of the present invention, the closure deviceincludes interlocking fastening strips and a slider slidably disposed onthe interlocking fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion anddeocclusion of the fastening strips when moved towards first and secondends of the fastening strips. The slider includes a separator thatextends between the fastening strips. Specifically, the separatorextends between the closure elements on the fastening strips.

The closure device includes a seal. The seal is disposed near one end ofthe closure device in order to prevent leakage when the closure devicehas been occluded. Additionally, the seal extends partially upward as toprevent the slider from moving unassisted after the closure device hasbeen fully occluded. This design also provides a tactile indication thatthe container has been fully occluded as the user will “feel” the sliderpass over the seal. Additionally, the movement of the flexible separatorover the seal may also provide an audible indication of occlusion.

The present invention will become more readily apparent upon reading thefollowing detailed description of exemplified embodiments and uponreference to the accompanying drawings herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the presentinvention in the form of a plastic bag;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the container in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3—3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4—4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5—5 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the container in FIG. 1 showing theseparator prior to engaging the seal;

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the container in FIG. 1 showing theseparator engaging the seal;

FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the container in FIG. 1 showing theseparator after engaging the seal;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9—9 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening strips;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment.

While the present invention will be described and disclosed inconnection with certain embodiments and procedures, the intent is not tolimit the present invention to these embodiments and procedures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a container in the form of a plasticbag 120 having a sealable closure device 121. The bag 120 includes afirst sidewall 122 and a second sidewall 123 joined at first seals 125,126 to define a compartment accessible through an open top end butsealable by means of the closure device 121. The bag 120 additionallyincludes a seal 129 disposed near a first end 127.

The closure device 121 includes first and second fastening strips 130,131 and a slider 132. The fastening strips 130, 131 and the slider 132have a longitudinal X axis 102, a transverse Y axis 104 and a vertical Zaxis 106. The transverse Y axis 104 is perpendicular to the longitudinalX axis 102. The vertical Z axis 106 is perpendicular to the longitudinalX axis 102 and the vertical Z axis 106 is perpendicular to thetransverse Y axis 104.

The first fastening strip 130 is attached to the first sidewall 122 nearthe top end of the bag 120. The second fastening strip 131 is attachedto the second sidewall 123 near the top end of the bag 120. Thefastening strips 130, 131 are located across from and substantiallyparallel to each other and are configured to allow the fastening strips130, 131 to be able to interlock. The slider 132 is mounted onto thefastening strips 130, 131 so that the slider 132 is restrained frombeing removed from the fastening strips 130, 131 in the Z axis 106 butfree to slide along the X axis 102. The slider 132 engages the fasteningstrips 130, 131 so that when the slider 132 moves in an occlusiondirection 114, the fastening strips 130, 131 interlock and the bag 120is sealed, and when the slider 132 moves in a deocclusion direction 116,the fastening strips 130, 131 separate and the bag 120 is open.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the closure device in FIG. 1. Theslider 132 is shown disengaging the fastening strips 130, 131. FIGS. 3–5depict cross sections taken at three separate locations along the slider132 as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section taken at a location along the slider132 wherein the fastening strips 130, 131 are occluded. The slider isshown with a first and second occlusion members 134, 135. The occlusionmembers 134, 135 facilitate the occlusion of the fastening strips 130,131 by applying pressure to the sides of the fastening strips 130, 131as the slider is moved in the occlusion direction.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section taken at a location along the slider132 wherein the fastening strips 130, 131 are being deoccluded. Theslider 132 includes a separator 133. The separator 133 facilitates thedeocclusion of the fastening strips 130, 131 by forcing the fasteningstrips 130, 131 to disengage.

The separator 133 extends between the fastening strips 130, 131.Furthermore, the separator 133 may extend between the closure elements140, 142. In this embodiment, the separator 133 has a length 144 in theZ axis 106 which is greater than the length 146 in the Z axis 106 of theclosure elements. In other embodiments, the length of the separator maybe equal to or less than the length of the closure elements. Inaddition, the separator may be flexible.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section taken at a location along the slider132 wherein the fastening strips 130, 131 have been deoccluded.

FIGS. 6–8 depict partial front views of the container in FIG. 1 andillustrate the separator 133 moving over the seal 129. The seal isdisposed near the first end 127 and below the closure elements 140, 142.The seal 129 engages the separator 133 as the slider 132 is moved to thefirst end 127. The seal 129 may include a horizontal portion 150 and anangled portion 152.

FIG. 6 illustrates the slider 132 positioned such that the separator 133is positioned prior to engaging the seal 129. The separator 133 has afirst position as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates the slider 132 positioned such that the separator 133is passing over the seal 129. The separator 133 bends in response to aforce applied to the slider 132 which is needed in order for theseparator 133 to pass over the seal 129. The separator 133 has a secondposition as shown in FIG. 7. The return of the separator 133 to thefirst position after the separator 133 has passed the seal 129, wouldprovide a tactile indication that the closure device has been fullyoccluded. In addition, an audible indication may also be heard.

FIG. 8 illustrates the slider 132 positioned at the first end 127. Theseparator 133, having just passed over the angled portion 152 of theseal 129, returns to the first position. In this end position, thefastening strips 130, 131 have been fully occluded. Additionally, theseparator 133 will be unable to move unassisted beyond the seal 129 andthus, the slider 132 will remain in the end position.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section view of the slider 132 and fasteningstrips 130, 131 at a location on the slider 132 after the separator 133has passed over the seal 129 and the fastening strips 130, 131 have beenoccluded. The occlusion members 134, 135 are shown engaging thefastening strips beyond the seal 129 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. As aresult, the fastening strips are occluded beyond the seal 129. The seal129 prevents air, liquids or other items from entering and leaving thecontainer. This creates a leak-proof closure.

In keeping with a general aspect of the present invention and as will bedescribed in greater detail below, the interlocking fastening strips ofthe present invention may be of various types or forms.

As shown in FIG. 10, the fastening strips may be U-channel fasteningstrips as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,641. U-channel fasteningstrips include a first fastening strip 230 with a first closure element236 and a second fastening strip 231 with a second closure element 234.The first closure element 236 engages the second closure element 234.The first fastening strip 230 may include a flange 263 disposed at theupper end of the first fastening strip 230 and a rib 267 disposed at thelower end of the first fastening strip 230. The first fastening strip230 may include a flange portion 269. Likewise, the second fasteningstrip 231 may include a flange 253 disposed at the upper end of thesecond fastening strip 231 and a rib 257 disposed at the lower end ofthe second fastening strip 231. The second fastening strip 231 mayinclude a flange portion 259. The side walls 222, 223 of the plastic bag220 may be attached to the fastening strips 230, 231 by conventionalmanufacturing techniques.

The second closure element 234 includes a base portion 238 having a pairof spaced-apart parallely disposed webs 240, 241, extending from thebase portion 238. The base and the webs form a U-channel closureelement. The webs 240, include hook closure portions 242, 244 extendingfrom the webs 240, 241 respectively, and facing towards each other. Thehook closure portions 242, 244 include guide surfaces 246, 247 whichserve to guide the hook closure portions 242, 244 for occluding with thehook closure portions 252, 254 of the first closure element 236.

The first closure element 236 includes a base portion 248 including apair of spaced-apart, parallely disposed webs 250, 251 extending fromthe base portion 248. The base and the webs form a U-channel closureelement. The webs 250, 251 include hook closure portions 252, 254extending from the webs 250, 251 respectively and facing away from eachother. The hook closure portions 252, 254 include guide surfaces 245,255, which generally serve to guide the hook closure portions 252, 254for occlusion with the hook closure portions 242, 244 of the secondclosure element 234. The guide surfaces 245, 255 may also have a roundedcrown surface.

The slider 232 includes a top portion 272. The top portion provides aseparator 243 having a first end and a second end wherein the first endmay be wider than the second end. In addition, the separator 243 may betriangular in shape. When the slider is moved in the occlusiondirection, the separator 243 deoccludes the fastening strips 230, 231 asshown in FIG. 10. Referring to FIG. 10, the closure elements 234, 236are deoccluded and specifically, the upper hook portions 242, 252 andthe lower hook portions 244, 254 are deoccluded.

The interlocking fastening strips may comprise “arrowhead-type” or “riband groove” fastening strips as shown in FIG. 11 and as described inU.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998. The rib element 305 interlocks with the grooveelement 307. The rib element 305 is of generally arrow-shape intransverse cross section including a head 310 comprising interlockshoulder hook portions 311 and 312 generally convergently related toprovide a cam ridge 313 generally aligned with a stem flange 314 bywhich the head is connected in spaced relation with respect to thesupporting flange portion 308. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines16–23). At their surfaces nearest the connecting stem flange 314, theshoulder portions 311 and 312 define reentrant angles therewithproviding interlock hooks engageable with interlock hook flanges 315 and317 respectively of the groove element 307. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998,Col. 2, lines 23–28). Said hook flanges generally converge toward oneanother and are spread open to receive the head 310 therebetween whensaid head is pressed into said groove element 307 until the head isfully received in a groove 318 of said groove element 307 generallycomplementary to the head and within which the head is interlocked byinterengagement of the head shoulder hook portions 311 and 312 and thegroove hook flanges 315 and 317. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines28–36). Through this arrangement, as indicated, the head and grooveelements 305 and 307 are adapted to be interlockingly engaged by beingpressed together and to be separated when forcably pulled apart, as bymeans of a generally U-shaped slider 319. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col.2, lines 36–41).

The slider 319 includes a flat back plate 320 adapted to run along freeedges 321 on the upper ends of the sections of the flange portions 308and 309 as shown in the drawing. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines41–46). Integrally formed with the back plate 320 and extending in thesame direction (downwardly as shown) therefrom are respectivecoextensive side walls 322 with an intermediate spreader finger 323extending in the same direction as the side walls at one end of theslider. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 46–51). The side walls322 are in the form of panels which are laterally divergent from anarrower end of the slider. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines51–55). The slider walls 322 are each provided with an inwardlyprojecting shoulder structure 324 flange adapted to engage respectiveshoulder ribs 325 and 327 on respectively outer sides of the lowersection of the flange portions 308 and 309. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998,Col. 2, line 66 to Co. 3, line 3).

Additionally, the interlocking fastening strips may comprise “profile”fastening strips, as shown in FIG. 12 and described in U.S. Pat. No.5,664,299. As shown in FIG. 12, the first profile 416 has at least anuppermost closure element 416 a and a bottommost closure element 416 b.(U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 25–27). The closure elements 416a and 416 b project laterally from the inner surface of strip 414. (U.S.Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 27–28). Likewise, the second profile417 has at least an uppermost closure element 417 a and a bottommostclosure element 417 b. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 28–30).The closure elements 417 a and 417 b project laterally from the innersurface of strip 415. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 30–32).When the bag is closed, the closure elements of profile 416 interlockwith the corresponding closure elements of profile 417. (U.S. Pat. No.5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 32–34). As shown in FIG. 12, closure elements416 a, 416 b, 417 a and 417 b have hooks on the ends of the closureelements, so that the profiles remain interlocked when the bag isclosed, thereby forming a seal. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines34–37).

The straddling slider 410 comprises an inverted U-shaped member having atop 420 for moving along the top edges of the strips 414 and 415. (U.S.Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 4, lines 1–3). The slider 410 has side walls421 and 422 depending from the top 420. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col.4, lines 3–4). A separating leg 423 depends from the top 420 between theside walls 421 and 422 and is located between the uppermost closureelements 416 a and 417 a of profiles 416 and 417. (U.S. Pat. No.5,664,299, Col. 4, lines 26–30). The fastening assembly includes ridges425 on the outer surfaces of the fastening strips 414 and 415, andshoulders 421 b and 422 b on the side walls of the slider. (U.S. Pat.No. 5,664,299, Col. 4, lines 62–65). The shoulders act as means formaintaining the slider in straddling relation with the fastening stripsby grasping the lower surfaces of the ridges 425. (U.S. Pat. No.5,664,299, Col. 5, lines 4–7).

Also, the interlocking fastening strips may be “rolling action”fastening strips as shown in FIG. 13 and described in U.S. Pat. No.5,007,143. The strips 514 and 515 include profiled tracks 518 and 519extending along the length thereof parallel to the rib and grooveelements 516 and 517 and the rib and groove elements 516, 517 havecomplimentary cross-sectional shapes such that they are closed bypressing the bottom of the elements together first and then rolling theelements to a closed position toward the top thereof. (U.S. Pat. No.5,007,143, Col. 4, line 62 to Col. 5, line 1). The rib element 516 ishook shaped and projects from the inner face of strip 514. (U.S. Pat.No. 5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 1–3). The groove element 517 includes alower hook-shaped projection 517 a and a relatively straight projection517 b which extend from the inner face of strip 515. (U.S. Pat. No.5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 3–6). The profiled tracks 518 and 519 areinclined inwardly toward each other from their respective strips 514 and515. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 6–8).

The straddling slider 510 comprises an inverted U-shaped plastic memberhaving a back 520 for moving along the top edges of the tracks 518 and519 with side walls 521 and 522 depending therefrom for cooperating withthe tracks and extending from an opening end of the slider to a closingend. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 26–31). A separator finger523 depends from the back 520 between the side walls 521 and 522 and isinserted between the inclined tracks 518 and 519. (U.S. Pat. No.5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 34–36). The slider 510 has shoulders 521 a and522 a projecting inwardly from the depending side walls 521 and 522which are shaped throughout the length thereof for cooperation with thedepending separator finger 523 in creating the rolling action in openingand closing the reclosable interlocking rib and groove profile elements516 and 517. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 43–49).

Although several interlocking fastening strip embodiments have beenspecifically described and illustrated herein, it will be readilyappreciated by those skilled in the art that other kinds, types, orforms of fastening strips may be used without departing from the scopeor spirit of the present invention.

The interlocking fastening strips may be manufactured by extrusionthrough a die. The interlocking fastening strips may be formed from anysuitable thermoplastic material including, for example, polyethylene,polypropylene, nylon, or the like, or from a combination thereof. Thus,resins or mixtures of resins such as high density polyethylene, mediumdensity polyethylene, and low density polyethylene may be employed toprepare the interlocking fastening strips. For example, the fasteningstrips may be made from low density polyethylene.

When the fastening strips are used in a sealable bag, the fasteningstrips and the films that form the body of the bag may be convenientlymanufactured from heat sealable material. In this way, the bag may beeconomically formed by using an aforementioned thermoplastic materialand by heat sealing the fastening strips to the bag. For example, thebag may be made from a mixture of high pressure, low densitypolyethylene and linear, low density polyethylene.

The fastening strips may be manufactured by extrusion or other knownmethods. For example, the closure device may be manufactured asindividual fastening strips for later attachment to the bag or may bemanufactured integrally with the bag. In addition, the fastening stripsmay be manufactured with or without flange portions on one or both ofthe fastening strips depending upon the intended use of the fasteningstrips or expected additional manufacturing operations.

The fastening strips can be manufactured in a variety of forms to suitthe intended use. The fastening strips may be integrally formed on theopposing sidewalls of the container or bag, or connected to thecontainer by the use of any of many known methods. For example, athermoelectric device may be applied to a film in contact with theflange portion of the fastening strips or the thermoelectric device maybe applied to a film in contact with the base portion of fasteningstrips having no flange portion, to cause a transfer of heat through thefilm to produce melting at the interface of the film and a flangeportion or base portion of the fastening strips. Suitable thermoelectricdevices include heated rotary discs, traveling heater bands,resistance-heated slide wires, and the like. The connection between thefilm and the fastening strips may also be established by the use of hotmelt adhesives, hot jets of air to the interface, ultrasonic heating, orother known methods. The bonding of the fastening strips to the filmstock may be carried out either before or after the film is U-folded toform the bag. In any event, such bonding is done prior to side sealingthe bag at the edges by conventional thermal cutting. In addition, thefirst and second fastening strips may be positioned on opposite sides ofthe film. Such an embodiment would be suited for wrapping an object or acollection of objects such as wires. The first and second fasteningstrips should usually be positioned on the film in a generally parallelrelationship with respect to each other, although this will depend onthe intended use.

The seal may be created by heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing or anadhesive that attaches the sidewalls of the storage container together.

The slider may be multiple parts and snapped together. In addition, theslider may be made from multiple parts and fused or welded together. Theslider may also be a one piece construction. The slider can be colored,opaque, translucent or transparent. The slider may be injection moldedor made by any other method. The slider may be molded from any suitableplastic material, such as, nylon, polypropylene, polystyrene, acetal,toughened acetal, polyketone, polybutylene terrephthalate, high densitypolyethylene, polycarbonate or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene).

From the foregoing it will be understood that modifications andvariations may be effectuated to the disclosed structures—particularlyin light of the foregoing teachings—without departing from the scope orspirit of the present invention. As such, no limitation with respect tothe specific embodiments described and illustrated herein is intended orshould be inferred. In addition, all references and copendingapplications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

1. A closure device comprising: first and second fastening stripsarranged to be interlocked between first and second ends, wherein thefirst fastening strip includes a first closure element, the secondfastening strip includes a second closure element; a slider adapted tobe slidably disposed on said fastening strips and facilitating theocclusion of said fastening strips when moved towards the first end, theslider includes a separator, the separator facilitating the deocclusionof said fastening strips when moved towards the second end; thefastening strips include a first seal located below said first andsecond closure elements near the first end, the separator cooperateswith the first seal to provide a seal along the fastening strips at thefirst end, wherein the separator engages the first seal when the slideris moved to the first end and wherein the slider provides an audibleindication as the separator disengages the first seal.
 2. The inventionas in claim 1 wherein the separator has a first length and the closureelements have a second length.
 3. The invention as in claim 2 whereinthe first length is greater than the second length.
 4. The invention asin claim 2 wherein the first length is equal to the second length. 5.The invention as in claim 2 wherein the first length is less than thesecond length.
 6. The invention as in claim 1 wherein the separatordeflects when the separator engages the first seal.
 7. The invention asin claim 1 wherein the slider provides a tactile indication as separatorengages the first seal.
 8. The invention as in claim 1 wherein the firstseal has an angled portion.
 9. The invention as in claim 1 wherein thefirst seal has a horizontal portion.
 10. The invention as in claim 1wherein the first seal is manufactured by heat sealing.
 11. Theinvention as in claim 1 wherein the first seal is manufactured byultrasonic sealing.
 12. The invention as in claim 1 wherein the firstseal is manufactured using adhesive.
 13. The invention as in claim 1wherein the fastening strips comprise U-channel type fastening strips.14. The invention as in claim 1 wherein the fastening strips comprisearrowhead type fastening strips.
 15. The invention as in claim 1 whereinthe fastening strips comprise profile type fastening strips.
 16. Theinvention as in claim 1 wherein the fastening strips comprise rollingaction type fastening strips.
 17. A container comprising: first andsecond sidewalls joined at seams to form a compartment with an opening;first and second interlocking fastening strips respectively connected tothe first and second sidewalls at the opening, the fastening stripsbeing arranged to be interlocked between first and second ends, whereinthe first fastening strip includes a first closure element, the secondfastening strip includes a second closure element; a slider slidablydisposed on the fastening strips for movement between the first andsecond ends, the slider facilitating occlusion of the fastening stripswhen moved towards the first end, the slider includes a separator, theseparator facilitating the deocclusion of the fastening strips whenmoved towards the second end; and the fastening strips include a firstseal located below said first and second closure elements near the firstend, the separator cooperates with the first seal to provide a sealalong the fastening strips at the first end, wherein the separatorengages the first seal when the slider is moved to the first end andwherein the slider provides an audible indication as the separatordisengages the first seal.
 18. A method of manufacturing a closuredevice, comprising: providing first and second interlocking fasteningstrips arranged to be interlocked between first and second ends; andproviding a slider slidably disposed on the fastening strips formovement between the first and second ends, the slider facilitatingocclusion of the fastening strips when moved towards the first end, theslider includes a separator, the separator facilitating the deocclusionof the fastening strips when the slider is moved towards the second endthe fastening strips include a first seal near the first end, theseparator cooperates with the first seal to provide a seal along thefastening strips at the first end wherein the separator engages thefirst seal when the slider is moved to the first end and wherein theslider provides an audible indication as the separator disengages thefirst seal.